Are the twelve steps more acceptable to drug users than to drinkers? A comparison of experiences of and attitudes to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) among 200 substance misusers attending inpatient detoxification

The present study is a cross-sectional interview-based investigation compar ing experiences of and attitudes towards Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narc otics Anonymous (NA) in a sample of 200 patients attending inpatient substa nce misuse detoxification services. Two hundred consecutive admissions were recruited; 100 each from one drug and one alcohol in-patient treatment ser vice in which attendance at AA/NA was a voluntary adjunct to a generic trea tment programme. Although there were no differences in the history of AA/NA attendance, the drug users (who were on average younger) reported signific antly more positive attitudes towards AA/NA, more willingness to attend dur ing their in-patient treatment and greater intention to attend following co mpletion of their detoxification. In particular, despite no differences in spiritual/religious orientation, the drug users reported more positive view s of the Twelve Steps. As AA/NA remain popular and accessible forms of subs tance misuse support, it is critical that we develop a clearer understandin g of their impact and of the scope for their integration with generic forms of substance misuse treatment. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.